Quantitative two-dimensional measurement of oil-film thickness by laser-induced fluorescence in a piston-ring model experiment.

This paper describes advances in using laser-induced fluorescence of dyes for imaging the thickness of oil films in a rotating ring tribometer with optical access, an experiment representing a sliding piston ring in an internal combustion engine. A method for quantitative imaging of the oil-film thickness is developed that overcomes the main challenge, the accurate calibration of the detected fluorescence signal for film thicknesses in the micrometer range. The influence of the background material and its surface roughness is examined, and a method for flat-field correction is introduced. Experiments in the tribometer show that the method yields quantitative, physically plausible results, visualizing features with submicrometer thickness.

[The Dutch Cancer Society Cancer Risk Test]. / De KWF Kanker Risico Test.

The Dutch Cancer Society developed the 'KWF Kanker Risico Test' (Cancer Risk Test) to improve the information available to the Dutch population regarding cancer risk factors. This Internet test, based under licence on the American 'Your Disease Risk' test, informs users about risk factors for 12 common types of cancer. The test provides an estimate of individual risk of a specific type of cancer and gives specific lifestyle advice that could lower that risk. This paper describes the development of the test, how it works, and its strengths and limitations.

Optimizing the efficacy of smoking cessation contests: an exploration of determinants of successful quitting.

The present study describes the short- and long-term efficacy and program evaluation of a Quit and Win smoking cessation campaign, organized in The Netherlands. To be able to fine-tune smoking cessation contests to the needs of the target population, utilization, appreciation and efficacy of various contest elements were investigated. Data from 1,551 Quit and Win participants and 244 control respondents were collected by web-based surveys at baseline (pre-contest) and 1 and 12 months after the contest. Demographic and contest predictors of successful quitting were determined by logistic regression analyses. Quit and Win proved to be an effective as well as highly appreciated program among participants. Conservative 1-month (35%) and continuous 12-month abstinence (12%) rates were significantly higher in Quit and Win participants than in the control group (1 month: 11%; continuous: 3%). Use of a supportive e-mail message service predicted short- and long-term abstinence. A buddy support system was the most used and highly appreciated cessation aid, and its use significantly predicted short-term abstinence. Radio commercials and Internet advertisements were the most effective recruitment channels. Although non-exhaustive, implementation of the results and recommendations discussed in this study could lead to an increased use, appreciation and efficacy of future smoking cessation campaigns.

Relapse prevention in a national smoking cessation contest: effects of coping planning.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of a brief coping planning intervention to prevent smoking relapse in the context of a national smoking cessation contest ('Quit & Win'). DESIGN: A controlled trial with three measurements was used to evaluate the efficacy of the coping planning intervention. METHODS: Three on-line surveys were conducted among 1,566 participants in Quit & Win. Contest participants were alternately assigned to a control and planning group, the latter of which completed a planning intervention that included the formation of three coping plans on how to refrain from smoking in personal risk situations. RESULTS: The coping planning intervention increased conservative 7-month continuous abstinence rates from 10.5 to 13.4%, indicating that, if implemented correctly, coping planning can significantly reduce long-term smoking relapse. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to growing evidence for the efficacy of self-regulatory planning in the promotion of health behaviour, the results of the present study indicate that planning can also be effective in the prevention of unwanted behaviour. The results may stimulate research and application of coping planning in its current form.